Atlanta, March 31 -- The Portugal head coach, Robert Martinez, has said that legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo remains important in the national team's plans heading into the FIFA World Cup despite injury.

Cristiano failed to make it to the national squad for the pre-FIFA World Cup friendlies against Mexico and the USA due to an injury suffered during his Saudi Pro League match for Al Nassr in February.

While Portugal played out a 0-0 draw against Mexico in the first friendly, they will play the USA in their second friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Ahead of the match, Robert termed Cristiano as a "role model", who is "hungry to improve every day and is an inspiration to younger players".

"Cristiano is our captain, a r...